Delegation led by Sukhbir Singh Badal submits two memorandums to Governor Gulab Chand KatariaChandigarh, 31 July (H.S.): The Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday urged Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to order a high-level judicial inquiry into the alleged lathi-charge on Scheduled Caste women and sanitation workers in Barnala. The party also sought a CBI investigation into alleged paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted during the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party government.A senior SAD delegation, led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, met the Governor and submitted two memorandums. The party demanded action against police officials allegedly involved in the Barnala incident and sought measures to protect the future of students affected by repeated examination-related controversies.Badal said the party had requested that the Barnala incident be investigated by a retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He alleged that the state government was using the police to suppress democratic protests and demanded the registration of an attempt-to-murder case against DSP Satvir Singh Bains and other officials accused of attacking protesting sanitation workers.The SAD president also claimed that injured workers were not being provided adequate compensation or proper medical treatment. He called upon the government to begin a meaningful dialogue with sanitation workers and resolve their long-pending demands.In its second memorandum, the delegation raised concerns over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in government recruitment. It claimed that nearly 10 lakh candidates had been affected and alleged the possible involvement of an organised network operating a cash-for-jobs racket.The party demanded a detailed CBI investigation into the role of ministers, AAP leaders, government employees and private individuals. It also sought forensic examination of digital records, CCTV footage, servers, communication records and examination-related documents, besides a comprehensive audit of recruitment tests conducted by state agencies during the past four-and-a-half years.Badal further alleged that a large number of government jobs were being given to candidates from outside Punjab. He claimed that appointments were being used to gain political support in neighbouring states.The delegation cited the recent pharmacy officer examination controversy, in which electronic devices such as Bluetooth receivers and miniature earphones were allegedly used. It also referred to controversies involving examinations conducted by the PPSC, PSSSB, Punjab School Education Board, Language Department and other state agencies.The delegation included Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Hira Singh Gabria, Daljit Singh Cheema, Sikander Singh Maluka, Darbara Singh Guru and Naresh Dhingan.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH